Abbott Labs
announced on June 30 that the FDA has approved the new capsules. Abbott said that the new
capsules will be available at pharmacies at the beginning of next week. Refrigeration of
the new capsules is recommended, but not required if used within 30 days and stored below
77 degrees fahrenheit (US meaure). I presume this means refrigeration will extend
shelf-life but I'll have to check on that. However, the pharamacy is expected to
refrigerate Norvir when they receive it.

Several questions
about the New Norvir caps have been raised by people. I spoke with Abbott and got some
answers to these questions.

The Abbott press release said it's helpful to eat when taking Norvir. Some people I think
were unsure exactly what this meant. Does it mean you have to eat?

answer- Eating some food--a sandwich for example--helps with GI and other
side effects. You don't have to eat a high fat meal; a sandwich will suffice. Eating when
taking Norvir will raise Norvir blood levels about 15%. This may not make muchdifference
but it's prbably better to achieve the added 15% rather than not. I think it's advisable
to always eat a sandwich or its equivalent with Norvir. These dietary recommendations are
the same as they were previously for the old Norvir caps.

Refrigeration
When the pharmacy receives Norvir they are supposed to kep it refrigerated. After you
receive it you can store it out of the fridge or in the fridge for 30 days. If you store
it out of the fridge the room temperature can be up to 77 degrees farhenheit (US temp). It
may be advisable to keep it in fridge particularly during Summer. But if you take it with
you for an evening out or if you are travelling with it refrigeration is not required as
long as temp is below 77. If you store Norvir in the fridge the shelf life is still 30
days.

The new Norvir caps have been shipped and are expected to be available this week in your
pharmacy but shipping can be variable so the exact date of arrival in your pharmacy may be
variable. I called Bigelow pharmacy in NYC and they have new Norvir capsules in stock.